How to Move Potted Plants

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How to Move Potted Plants

Overview

Whether you're rearranging your deck, patio or indoor houseplants there are times when you need to move potted plants from one location to another. Where outdoor planters are concerned this may have to do with décor, or you might need to move them from harsh weather conditions for a period of time. No matter your reason, moving potted plants should be done carefully and with as little disturbance as possible to keep you and your plants safe.

Step 1

Clear a space in the location where you want to move the potted plant to. Make a clear pathway from where the plant is to where you are going to put it so you don't have to worry about looking at the floor when you're carrying the plant.

Step 2

Bend down to the plant, whether it's on the floor or a table, and bring the pot as close to your body as you can without lifting.

Step 3

Straighten your back and grip the pot with your arms already bent. Hold your upper body and arms stiff as you straighten your legs and lift the pot. If the pot feels too heavy for you just standing still with it, set it back down and have a friend help you.

Step 4

Keep the pot perfectly upright as you hold and move it. Don't let the plant be tilted or angled diagonally as it is being carried or the plant may loosen itself from the soil and could fall out.

Step 5

Carry the pot to your desired location and set it down while continuing to maintain a stiff upper body, bending the legs to let the pot down carefully. Scoot or slide the pot into place.

Tips and Warnings

To lower the risk of injuring your back, place a rolling plant stand under your heaviest plants if you find you need to move them often. This will allow you a simple push or pull movement, rather than needing to lift the plant, which could hurt you if done incorrectly.

Things You'll Need

Gloves, if desired

References

About this Author

Margaret Telsch-Williams is a freelance, fiction, and poetry writer from the Blue Ridge mountains. When not writing articles for Demand Studios, she works for WidescreenWarrior.com as a contributor and podcast co-host.